In the Shadow of Man

Female chimps mate when they experience estrus, a time when they’re fertile. The males at Gombe particularly sought the female Flo as a mate. Flo had several offspring: males Figan and Faben and female Fifi. While Flo was elderly, she was also “aggressive, tough as nails, and easily the most dominant of all the females at that time” (80). Thus, Flo was relaxed and confident among the other chimps, including the males. In contrast, adult female Olly was nervous and unsure of herself, avoiding large groups of chimps and spending more time with her own offspring for company. These differences extended to their parenting as well: Flo was “easygoing and tolerant,” whereas Olly was less caring for her infants (82).

Goodall witnessed Flo mate with Goliath, the dominant male and, eventually, every other adult male in the group. Her offspring Fifi often confronted the males angrily, but they all ignored her. Goodall was surprised that no conflict occurred over sexual access to Flo during her estrus. The adolescent males were interested too but were clearly frightened of the adult males and didn’t dare to approach Flo. Over time, Flo developed a “strange” relationship with an adult male, Rodolf, who became her “faithful escort.